Nokea
A patient has been receiving epoetin alfa for severe iron-deficiency anemia. Today, the provider changed the order to darbepoetin. The patient questions the nurse, 'What is the difference in these drugs?' Which response by the nurse is correct?
- A. There is no difference in these two drugs.
- B. Aranesp works faster than Epogen to raise your red blood cell count.
- C. Aranesp is given by mouth, so you will not need to have injections.
- D. Aranesp is a longer-acting form, so you will receive fewer injections.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Darbepoetin (Aranesp) is longer-acting than epoetin alfa (Epogen); therefore, fewer injections are required.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is giving instructions to a patient who will be receiving oral iron supplements. Which instructions will be included in the teaching plan?
- A. Take the iron tablets with milk or antacids.
- B. Crush the pills as needed to help with swallowing.
- C. Take the iron tablets with meals if gastrointestinal distress occurs.
- D. If black tarry stools occur, report it to the doctor immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Although taking iron tablets with food may decrease absorption, doing so helps to reduce gastrointestinal distress. Antacids and milk may cause decreased iron absorption; iron tablets must be taken whole and not crushed. Black, tarry stools are expected adverse effects of oral iron supplements.
A patient with end-stage renal failure has been admitted to the hospital for severe anemia. The patient is refusing blood transfusions. The nurse anticipates drug therapy with which drug to stimulate the production of red blood cells?
- A. Folic acid
- B. Cyanocobalamin
- C. Epoetin alfa
- D. Filgrastim
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epoetin alfa is a colony-stimulating factor that is responsible for erythropoiesis, or formation of red blood cells.
A woman who is planning to become pregnant should ensure that she receives adequate levels of which supplement to reduce the risk for fetal neural tube defects?
- A. Vitamin B12
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Iron
- D. Folic acid
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is recommended that administration of folic acid be begun at least 1 month before pregnancy and continue through early pregnancy to reduce the risk for fetal neural tube defects.
The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient before giving a new order for iron sucrose. Which statement regarding the administration of iron sucrose is correct?
- A. The medication is given with food to reduce gastric distress.
- B. Iron sucrose is contraindicated if the patient has renal disease.
- C. A test dose will be administered before the full dose is given.
- D. The nurse will monitor the patient for hypotension during the infusion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Iron sucrose (Venofer) is an injectable iron product indicated for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in patients with chronic renal disease. It is also used for patients without kidney disease. Its risk of precipitating anaphylaxis is much less than that of iron dextran, and a test dose is not required. Hypotension is the most common adverse effect and appears to be related to infusion rate.
The nurse is teaching a patient with iron-deficiency anemia about foods to increase iron intake. Which food may enhance the absorption of oral iron forms?
- A. Milk
- B. Yogurt
- C. Antacids
- D. Orange juice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Orange juice contains ascorbic acid, which enhances the absorption of oral iron forms; antacids, milk, and yogurt may interfere with absorption.